West Nile Virus was found in the San Fernando Valley, adding to another sighting earlier this year in Lancaster, both near Santa Clarita, officials said Monday. 

Four mosquito samples from traps in the cities of Northridge, Reseda, Carson and Signal Hill  were confirmed to be carrying West Nile Virus (WNV), according to Los Angeles County officials.

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD), whose responsibilities include the prevention of human infection associated with mosquito-transmitted diseases, announced their findings Friday.

These four West Nile Virus-positive samples join two other mosquito samples found to test positive for WNV in LA County in July. These samples originated from Bellflower and Long Beach.

Across California, there were 341 new WNV positive mosquito samples reported last week, bringing the 2019 total to 1,988 positive samples from 23 counties, according to the California Department of Public Health. 

This is not the first appearance of WNV in Los Angeles County, and the summer heat can increase virus activity and mosquito populations, according to GLACVCD officials.

Those that are bitten by mosquitoes carrying the disease typically do not become ill, but a small proportion of people do, according to health officials from Providence Holy Cross.

Typical symptoms for those affected by the disease include fever, headache, rash, muscle weakness, nausea and vomiting; however, an even smaller proportion of those affected may develop neurological symptoms such as limb paralysis, tremors and altered mental status. 

In rare cases West Nile disease can be fatal, according to health officials from Providence Holy Cross.

In order to help prevent the spread of WNV, Providence Holy Cross health officials offered the following tips:

• Eliminate the Source: Mosquitos breed in standing water. Maintain pools and fountains and clear puddles that form.
• Use Pesticide: Add a safe pesticide such as Mosquito Dunks to neglected swimming pools or other standing water.
• Wear Repellent: Wear a mosquito repellent that contains DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus and follow directions for re-application. Use lesser strengths for young children, but do not apply onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth or irritated skin. And do not use repellent on babies younger than two months old; instead dress them in light clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Secure Points of Entry: Make sure your window and door screens are in good order.
• Avoid Peak Hours: Mosquitos are most active at dusk, but don’t take chances the rest of the day. 

In addition to the actions that can be taken personally, GLACVCD works year-round to actively search for and manage water-holding areas such as gutters, ditches, storm drain channels, basins and non-functional pools and ponds.

For more information about West Nile Virus activity in California, visit the California Department of Public Health’s official website on the virus here.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.